30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi is such a comforting dish. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. You can whip this up in just half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a meal your whole family will enjoy, bringing smiles around the dinner table.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
This recipe is a winner for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are simple and likely in your pantry already. Plus, it has a creamy sauce that coats each piece of gnocchi beautifully. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also family-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Making this dish is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by cooking the gnocchi and then prepare a creamy tomato sauce in a skillet. It involves minimal prep work, with just a few simple steps to follow. Dinner will be ready in no time!
What You Need
- Gnocchi
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Step-by-Step
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and mix until well coated.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
This dish is divine on its own, but you can enhance it even more. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light white wine. For a cozy dinner, this dish is great for simple gatherings or family nights in.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to a month. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
- Don’t skip on the garlic; it adds wonderful flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cream depending on your preference for richness.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
- If you want a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Variations & Swaps
- Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more veggies.
- Protein Boost: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for added protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cook the gnocchi when you’re ready to serve. This will save time on busy nights and still give you a delicious meal.
Can I freeze this recipe?
While freezing is possible, the texture of the gnocchi may not be the same once thawed. If you do freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce separately to ensure each component retains its quality.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat creamy gnocchi is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to the sauce to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap heavy cream for a milk alternative for a lighter sauce or use different types of cheese. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
What mistakes should I avoid?
One common mistake is overcooking the gnocchi. They should float to the surface when done. Keep an eye on them to ensure they aren’t mushy. Also, when making the sauce, avoid cooking it too long after adding the cream to maintain the sauce’s rich texture.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Gnocchi Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Don’t skip on the garlic; it adds wonderful flavor.
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes Use canned for convenience.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Feel free to adjust the amount for desired richness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Or substitute with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped For garnish and flavor.
Instructions
Cooking Gnocchi
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and mix until well coated.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
